Anita Jörg
A short interview with
Anita Jörg
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I have a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in corporate communications and a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in resilience and positive psychology. At Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne I am COO, Partner and Executive Board Member. For over seven years, I have been a board member of “frac.ch” the regional contact point for work-life-balnce, which promotes equal opportunities for women and men in the workplace.
Can you tell us about your professional journey and how you got started in this field?
My career began at the watch brand Swatch, where I was one of the first female regional sales managers at a very young age.
In 2010, I left the watch industry and became involved in a start-up centre and the innovation promotion agency of the Canton of Bern. From 2014 onwards, I played a key role in setting up the first start-up programmes and incubators for highly scalable high-tech start-ups in the canton of Bern, helping to build the regional start-up and innovation promotion system from the ground up.
I have been involved with Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne since the very beginning. Initially, I worked on a small external contract, but now I am the COO, Head of Human Resources and responsible for marketing/communications. I love my job!
I have always successfully combined family and career. This was and is not always easy in Switzerland, as childcare must always be organised by the family itself.
Have you ever doubted your abilities and why?
Yes. I have always doubted my abilities. This has helped me progress. In many situations, I have approached things with the attitude that I don't know everything. This has had a huge learning effect and I have become better and better. I still regularly doubt my abilities today and am constantly learning as a result.
Did you ever have the impression gender was an important factor on a raise, promotion, or key assignment?
No. In my view, personality is defined by many elements. Gender, nationality, mentality, language, openness and so on. Gender alone has never been the sole deciding factor in my career.
During your career, have you ever been mentored?
No.
If you could give some advice to your younger self or other girls, what would that be?
Be yourself, lead yourself and be kind to yourself.
